Even though you have performed your job appropriately, your employer has treated you unfairly. Whether your unfair treatment involves different job duties, lower pay, verbal abuse or even the loss of your job, it is normal to feel jilted and angry.
According to the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, retaliation happens when an employer unfairly and illegally targets an employee who complains about discrimination or harassment. Why do some wronged workers not report retaliation, though?
Further retaliation
Often, workers who have been victims of illegal retaliation worry about further retaliation. That is, you might have concerns about how your employer is likely to treat you after your complaint, especially if you still have your job. Remember, though, ongoing retaliation might give you additional evidence you can use in your retaliation case.
Workplace scorn
Even if your employer does not continue to retaliate against you, your colleagues might not appreciate your complaint. This may be particularly true if one of your peers has contributed to your discrimination, harassment or retaliation. Nevertheless, speaking up for yourself can make working conditions better for everyone in your organization.
Future employment opportunities
It is common for unfairly treated workers to worry about future employment opportunities after filing retaliation complaints. Indeed, you might fear that by rocking the boat, you are going to turn off future employers. Because retaliation complaints typically are confidential, your future employers are not likely to know about the matter.
Ultimately, even though you must decide what is right for you, you should not let fear or intimidation convince you not to complain about illegal retaliation in the workplace.
